What is the goal of monitoring internal control?

The goal of monitoring internal control encompasses a broad and comprehensive approach to assessing the effectiveness of the organization's internal controls. Monitoring serves two critical purposes: first, it ensures that controls remain operational and effective in preventing and detecting errors or fraud. This ongoing assessment allows organizations to verify that their established controls are functioning as intended over time.

Second, monitoring also involves evaluating management's response to any identified deficiencies. When weaknesses or failures in controls are detected, it is essential for management to take appropriate corrective actions. Evaluating whether management has effectively addressed these issues is a key aspect of maintaining a robust internal control environment.

By integrating both of these objectives, an effective monitoring program helps organizations maintain compliance with regulations, safeguard assets, and promote operational efficiency. Therefore, the comprehensive nature of monitoring internal control justifies the inclusion of both ensuring operational controls and confirming management's responsiveness in the overarching goal.